Episode 171 – The myths of motherhood and life in the law with Kerala Drew The Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast

In this week’s episode of the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life Podcast’ I had the pleasure of interviewing Criminal Lawyer Kerala Drew.  Now Kerala is at the early stages of her law life but gee she has jammed a whole lot in already!  You will tell by her accent Kerala grew up in the UK.  She knew from a really young age that being a lawyer was going to be her thing.  It was all lined up, degree completed at one of the top Universities in London, placements in firms and chambers and a career at the Bar was calling but then a chance trip overseas where she met her now husband and the rest is sort of history!

I loved chatting to Kerala- she is clearly a smart and capable woman and has made some courageous decisions along the way- perhaps the biggest to follow her heart, move to the other side of the world and build a life with the man of her dreams!  (can you tell I liked the love story!!) But it wasn’t easy and add to that mix becoming a mum, and all of a sudden there are many new hats for Kerala to manage.

This interview is a great reminder of what really matters in life-we all work so hard to achieve in our careers and that is a good thing, but when all is said and done it is the people around us, our family, that will be the source of the memories and the legacy that really matters.

In this interview Kerala Drew and I also chatted about-



* If Kerala was not a lawyer she would have been a personal trainer (and she sort of is!)

* Kerala is passionate about health, exercise and family.

* Kerala grew up in Bristol in the UK and tells us about her childhood.

* Kerala took a gap year before her legal studies and the advantages of doing this prior to starting a career in law.

* Kerala started her studies at Queen Mary University of London and continued her studies in Hong Kong.

* Kerala knew she liked arguing as an 8 year old and always knew she wanted to be a lawyer.

* Kerala’s perspective on moving countries- the joys and challenges.

* Kerala and Sean’s love story(#myfavouritebit!)

* After falling in love Kerala moved to Australia- but the career transition was anything but easy.

* The trouble that Kerala had integrating her UK legal degree and her advice to others facing this process.

* Kerala chose to volunteer her legal services which eventuated in a role now in criminal law.

* Kerala’s advice for young lawyers coming into the law.

* A day in the life Kerala – a Criminal Duty Lawyer.

* The Myth of Motherhood and the law – how Kerala manages raising her daughter in amongst a high pressure career – a village raises a child!

* Kerala tips on soaking in those ‘thank you’s!’

* Anger masks fear and Kerala’s experience with scared clients.

* Kerala believes in a ‘work-life-blend’ vs ‘work-life-balance’ and being present in whatever you are doing.

* Kerala’s tips for mothers or aspiring mothers.

* Motherhood and the law.

* Kerala’s Happiness Tip.



Sit back and enjoy this interview with Kerala Drew

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Learn more here about upcoming events and courses and connect with Clarissa Rayward at the ‘Happy Lawyer Happy Life’ knowledge centre-  A community for lawyers who want to make the best out of their life in and outside of the law.   







































Listen to last week’s episode here